Helping Your Overweight Cat Lose Weight

Did you know that obesity affects more than 50 percent of America's cat population? If your cat is overweight, she can develop all kinds of health problems such as painful arthritis, heart disease, breathing difficulty, diabetes and even bladder cancer. For your cat, the excess weight and the resulting health problems can mean less play time and depression.

What causes weight gain?

Weight gain is the result of an increase in body fat. This is usually caused by eating too much, especially when combined with lack of exercise. But there can be other contributing factors too.

Age: Older cats are less active, have less energy, and require fewer calories. They are prone to weight gain.

Breed: Some cat breeds are more likely to gain weight. This is most typical though in mixed breed cats.

Gender: Female cats are more likely to become overweight.

Neutering/ spaying: Clinical studies have shown that the basic metabolism of neutered cats is lower. Neutered cats actually require fewer calories. Spayed or neutered cats are twice as likely to become obese due to a more sedentary lifestyle. (There are many important health reasons to have your pet spayed or neutered - just remember to monitor your cat's weight.)

Medical Problems: Very occasionally weight gain is associated with a medical disorder that may require specific treatment

Overfeeding: Cats with unlimited access to food understandably eat more than they need.

Overeating: Many commercial foods are loaded with salt and fat. This improves taste, which means your cat will want to gorge.

Feeding habits: Feeding table scraps and "people food" can lead to obesity.

IMPORTANT: Even if your cat does not show signs of being overweight, it is important to have regular weight checks at the veterinarian's to make sure her ideal weight is maintained.

Is my cat overweight?

All cats have an ideal weight for their size ,and breed. Your veterinarian will be able to tell you what this is, and show you how to check that your cat is maintaining a healthy weight. Between checkups, place your hands on her side - are her ribs hard to feel or even impossible to feel? If so, she is likely overweight. You can also track your cat's weight at home between checks at your veterinarian. Just hold your cat and step on the scales, then you would subtract your weight, resulting in just your cat's weight.

If your cat is overweight, you may notice some of the following signs:

Ribs cannot easily be felt when running your hand along your cat's side

Loss of an obvious waist

Collar needs loosening

Difficulty in walking

Slow movement

Shortness of breath

Bad temper

Sleeping more than usual

How can I help my cat lose weight?

Weight problems are common in cats, and can be successfully managed through changes in cat food or a nutrition program. Combining a change in nutrition with increased exercise is the most effective way of achieving a healthy weight.

Exercise tips for cats:

Encourage your cat to follow you when you move from room to room, particularly up and down stairs

Use toys to encourage your cat to play, or hide food and make her “hunt” for it

Shine a flashlight on walls or floor for your cats to chase

See additional exercise tips for cats

The importance of nutrition

The food your cat eats plays an important role in her overall health and well-being. Balanced nutrition is an essential part of an active, healthy lifestyle. Eating too much cat food will cause your cat to become overweight, and this increases the risk of conditions such as arthritis, diabetes, heart disease and breathing problems.

Food plays a very important role in treating an overweight cat. Along with exercise, a low-fat and low-calorie cat food is essential in helping your cat lose weight and stay fit. Fiber is also a key ingredient since it helps your cat eat less while keeping her full.

Once your cat has been overweight, she may be prone to weight gain and should have an ongoing weight-management plan based on good nutrition, exercise and regular check-ups and weigh-ins.

For accurate diagnosis and treatment options, always consult your veterinarian and ask them to recommend the best food for your cat's weight management

Ask Your Veterinarian About Weight Management Care for your Cat:

What is the target weight for my cat? What are the health risks if my cat is overweight?

Learn about other diseases related to excess weight

Learn how to tell if your cat is losing weight

You should feed your cat according to target weight not to current weight.

What exercise program should I follow to help my cat reach target weight?

Cats with sensitive skin have special needs and even healthy cats can sometimes develop poor skin health. Learn more about sensitive skin symptoms in your cat, what you can do to help your pet feel more comfortable and get recommendations on sensitive skin cat food.